Book Review: Rebel by Rachel Manija Brown and Sherwood Smith
There’s something particularly captivating about diving into a series that feels as rich and immersive as a well-crafted world of its own. When I picked up Rebel, the third installment in the Change series, I was greeted with the familiar thrill of post-apocalyptic adventure mixed with the complexities of vibrant character relationships. Brown and Smith have a knack for transporting readers to Las Anclas, where goodwill tussles with danger, creating an exhilarating reading experience that is difficult to put down.
In Rebel, we find that the defeat of the tyrant king Voske hasn’t ushered in peace for our beloved characters. Instead, the walls of Las Anclas seem to harbor more deep-seated struggles than ever before. Characters like Ross, Jennie, Mia, and the ever-enigmatic Felicite navigate their own pasts while grappling with present threats. I particularly appreciated how the narrative entwines moments of vulnerability and familial tension, illustrating the delicate balance of love and strife. Each character’s journey feels particularly raw and real as they confront their fears, revealing hauntingly relatable traits that resonate deeply.
The themes of family, secrets, and societal dynamics unfurl elegantly throughout the story. Kerry’s suspicion about her father’s return loomed large, and Felicite’s desperate measures to keep her secret felt like high stakes, almost suffocating in their tension. Each twist kept my heart racing. It’s a testament to Brown and Smith’s writing that the relationships—whether fragile or fierce—feel like my own. Their exploration of intimacy, especially with characters like the demisexual Becky, was handled with such grace that it left me feeling seen, highlighting how love can manifest in its many forms even amid chaos.
The prose itself sparkles with life and emotion. There’s a particular rhythm that pulls you along, especially in the action sequences, which are fast-paced yet grounded. My favorite moments, however, came from the characters’ quieter reflections. Time and again, I paused to absorb their thoughts and feelings, lending profound depth to their arcs. One stellar line hits home: “Relationships don’t magically work just because people want them to.” This sentiment threaded poignantly through their journey, reminding me of the intricacies of human connection, especially in dire circumstances.
Readers rave that Rebel is the best of the series so far, and I couldn’t agree more. The detailed worldbuilding, filled with creepy flora and intriguing fauna that expands beyond our understanding of the wild, has continuously intrigued me. Even the food descriptions had my mouth watering—who knew post-apocalyptic dining could be so delightful?
I believe this book will find its way into the hearts of many—those who appreciate character-driven narratives, LGBTQ+ representation, and a thoughtful approach to heavy themes like grief and trauma. This is not just another action-packed tale; it’s a dive into the human condition, wrapped in a fantasy world that dares to ask difficult questions. Rebel entirely transformed my expectations for a third book in a series, pushing me to reflect on my own connections while eagerly anticipating the next. A heartfelt recommendation for anyone yearning for an adventure that doesn’t just challenge the world outside but also invites introspection from within.